Big Brother Refugee Protest : Melbourne Indymedia

In a Big Brother eviction show like no other, the latest evictee Merlin made a powerful silent protest by placing gaffer tape over his mouth and holding up a message reading "Free the Refugees" in front of a massive live audience and a nation wide television audience of millions.

After being driven to the Dreamworld stadium from the Big Brother House, Merlin jumped out of the window of the car and unravelled the message as he made his way down the giant gangway which runs through the live audience. Merlin held his sign aloft as he took a set on the couch at centre stage beside the slightly dismayed Channel Ten host Gretel Killeen. The huge audience were clearly divided over the statement with lots of boos and cheers rising above the din.

Merlin's father, who brought the young Merlin to Australia from Germany, was seen in the audience smiling proudly and applauding his son. Apparently the family spent their first eight years in Australia as "illigal immigrants" before being given permanent resident status.

Merlin, who performs in a Sydney hip-hop outfit and works for a record company, has made his political opinions known on numerous occasions while in the Big Brother House, including his opposition to the Iraq War and his support for the plight of refugees.

Instead of conducting the usual post-eviction interview, Killeen crossed to the house to tell the housemates about Merlin's protest and get their reactions. One of the housemates called out "Legend!". Most of the housemates were surprised but most of them were supportive. One other housemate, Ryan, later said that he agreed with what Merlin said but disagreed with the way he said it.

The housemates may have a different take on it however when he get to see the actual footage which shows one of the most effective and startling exercises in culture jamming Australia has ever seen. Merlin should be applauded for standing up for the rights of refugees and adding a real dose of reality to reality TV.